Melrose Council Approves $1.44M Levy, Hires Finance Director and Ambulance Coordinator

MELROSE — December 15, 2022 — Melrose City Council approves $1.44 million tax levy and $3.133 million general fund budget for 2023. Despite the levy rising $125,000 over the prior year, Finance Director Tessa reported the effective tax rate dropped to 47 percent — the lowest since at least 2015 — because the city's net tax capacity jumped to an estimated $3.025 million on the strength of sharply higher residential property values. The council also unanimously hired Ryan Meyer as the incoming finance director at step two on the salary schedule, with a step-three increase after a successful six-month probationary period, and approved Jean Eggert as the new ambulance coordinator effective February 1, 2023, replacing a 22-year department veteran. The meeting also honored Melrose High School swimmer Hallie Drossel, who defended her Class A state title in the 100-yard breaststroke and became the first back-to-back state champion in program history.